Ira Kaufman’s 9 Takeaways From Bucs-Panthers
January 3rd, 2026
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BY IRA KAUFMAN
Stayin’ alive, stayin’ alive.
It wasn’t pretty, and it certainly wasn’t decisive, but the 2025 Buccaneers weren’t ready to pack their bags Saturday. On the brink of elimination, they outplayed the Panthers in a 16-14 victory that extended their season — by at least one day.
Everyone in the Tampa Bay organization, including the people that sign the checks, will be glued to Sunday’s matchup between the Falcons and Saints in Atlanta. The winner of that game will determine whether Tampa Bay or Carolina will finish atop the NFC South.
The Bucs need a New Orleans victory, or a tie, to capture their fifth consecutive division title.
An embattled Buc defense stepped up by smothering Carolina on the ground and forcing Bryce Young to throw 35 times. That’s not a winning formula for the offensively challenged Panthers, who have topped 17 points only seven times all season.
The Bucs registered three takeaways, including a key fumble recovery by Lavonte David early in the fourth quarter after Carolina had reached the Tampa Bay 20. David led the Bucs with six stops, tying Hall of Famer Derrick Brooks for the franchise record in career tackles.
If David decides to retire before the 2026 season, that’s not a bad way to go out.
Baker Mayfield shook off a costly second-quarter interception to complete 16-of-22 passes for 203 yards, including an 18-yard TD throw to Cade Otton that capped the game’s opening drive. It was the first scoring catch of the season for the veteran tight end, who finished with 94 yards on seven receptions.
It was Otton who broke free in the final minutes for a 20-yard catch on third-and-4 as Mayfield rolled right, essentially securing the victory.
Chase McLaughlin added three field goals, but the Bucs were victimized on special teams once again when McLaughlin’s 38-yard attempt was blocked with 5:12 remaining.
With the Panthers trailing 16-7, Young converted a fourth-and-8 as stellar rookie Tetairoa McMillan got behind rookie Jacob Parrish down the middle for a 40 yard catch. Two plays later, Young fired a perfect 8-yard scoring pass to Jalen Coker, despite rookie Benjamin Morrison’s stout coverage.
Most of the game was played in a steady rain, but the crowd was into the action from the start, realizing what was at stake.
Tampa Bay dominated the opening half but Mayfield’s giveaway set up another 8-yard TD pass from Young, this time to Tommy Tremble. Before the interception, on a pass intended for Emeka Egbuka, the Bucs boasted a 147-27 advantage in total yards. Despite limiting Carolina to a mere 18 offensive snaps through two quarters, the Panthers trailed only 13-7.
Carolina managed to hang around and Buc fans began thinking they’ve seen this script before during Tampa Bay’s 1-7 skid. But for one dreary day, the Buc defense was resolute as Carolina converted only 1-of-8 on third down.
Here’s how the Bucs kept hope alive and made Sunday’s Saints-Falcons matchup must-see TV:
* The return of Calijah Kancey energized Tampa Bay’s rush defense and that spelled trouble for a Carolina club that operates best on the ground. Rico Dowdle and Chuba Hubbard combined for only 20 yards on 12 carries, with a long gain of five yards. “The Bucs played us really well, they disrupted us up front,” said Panthers coach Dave Canales.
* Carolina’s Derrick Brown, working against a pair of backup guards, registered a game-high 13 tackles. That’s an extraordinary number for a defensive tackle and it’s one more reason why he will be on my All-Pro ballot submitted Monday. “Losing today for damn sure hurts,” Brown said. “It’s tough to have to sit around and wait to see the result tomorrow.”
* Given the weather, Josh Grizzard leaned heavily on Bucky Irving, who carried more times (26) than Mayfield threw the ball. Irving averaged only 3.3 yards but he helped Tampa Bay control the ball for 15 more minutes than Carolina. Mayfield scrambled four times for 31 yards, personally topping Carolina’s production on the ground.
* Otton was the only Buc with more than two receptions. Mike Evans caught both of his targets and only one pass was sent in Chris Godwin’s direction.
* Parrish showed great anticipation late in the second quarter when he jumped Young’s pass intended for McMillan.at the right sidelines at the Tampa Bay 42. “He’s a heck of a football player,” said Bowles. “He had a heck of a season for us and his future’s very bright.”
* The Bucs were outscored 119-82 in the fourth quarter this season and outscored 411-380 overall through 17 games.
* That fractured collarbone sank any chance of Mike Evans keeping his 1,000-yard streak alive. He finished with 30 catches for 368 yards and 3 touchdowns. Egbuka fell 62 yards short of a 1,000-yard season as a rookie.
* Led by YaYa Diaby’s seven takedowns, Tampa Bay ended with 37 sacks, compared to 38 for Buc opponents.
* Tampa Bay fell two wins shy of matching its 2024 record and finished 3-3 in a weak division. Bowles is now 35-33 in the regular season since replacing Bruce Arians on the sidelines in 2022.
A family-owned Tampa icon since 1960, one mile north of the stadium on Dale Mabry Highway.
January 4th, 2026 at 12:00 am
This win feels like a loss. Defense had been playing well enough to win games after the falcons game but offense couldn’t score or get out of their own way but they did just enough today. Bowles correctly took the ball out of Mayfield’s hands after inexplicably throwing an interception in their own half. The more I see Mayfield play the more I see shades of Winston. Still, mayfield did enough running around like a maniac bc he’s a one read QB at the moment. Can’t wait for Grizzard and McGaughey to be gone.
We shall see what the Glazers do with Bowles. I predict he stays. Sadly…
January 4th, 2026 at 12:10 am
Timon, the defense has been horrid. The Glazers are not stupid, I’m sure they realize if Bowles is back at the helm, ticket sales will plummet, fan excitement will be at an all time low.
January 4th, 2026 at 12:20 am
With those guards Mayfield only has time to make 1 read. Abysmal pass protection. At least they run blocked a little better this time.
January 4th, 2026 at 12:24 am
So today one bad team beat another bad team.
I do love my Bucs but they need a whole lot of work.
There is a lot of work to do in the offseason and a couple of Huge changes that need to be made.
If the Falcons win tomorrow and the Bucs miss the playoffs then hopefully when they come back next season they come with some attitude and some purpose because it sure has been lacking this season
January 4th, 2026 at 12:26 am
Unless the Bucs look like they did early in the season all playoffs and make it to at least the NFC Championship game, Bowles is as good as gone. I feel badly for him, but I think he’s lost the locker room.
If Baltimore or Pittsburgh is stupid enough to part ways with either of their coaches, we should John Harbaugh or Mike Tomlin immediately. Word is, Kevin Stefanski might be out in Cleveland. He’s a two-time Coach of the Year, and the last time we hired a two-time Coach of the Year we won a Super Bowl. I just wonder what Baker’s opinion of him is.
January 4th, 2026 at 1:45 am
Great article Ira….and its sad Evans couldnt set the new record but that def doesnt take away from how much a HOF player he’s been. I hope he comes back next year, we still need him.
Harbaugh and Tomlin are def on the list if they’re let go.
January 4th, 2026 at 3:44 am
Derrick Brown – 13 tackles
Vea, Hall, Kancey – 4 tackles
January 4th, 2026 at 4:48 am
Excellent overview, Ira. YaYa seemed to be on fire. Overall, most players were fighting the good fight for the win. And Baker, he was slipping and sliding getting it done.
Felt bad for Mike not getting many yards. Agree with MadMax. Hoping Mike comes back.
January 4th, 2026 at 7:08 am
My guess is if we make the playoffs, and face the Rams, or 49ers, that Buc run defense will turn back into a pumpkin. Pat yourselves on the back boys, you split with the Panthers in two close games. Two turds battling for the top of the turd pile. Well done. That’s 8-9 if you’re keeping score.
January 4th, 2026 at 7:24 am
Hodad – I am still optimistic. Hoping we make it to the playoffs. Never say never 😊
January 4th, 2026 at 8:16 am
holding dowdle and hubbard to 20 yards…gotta give em credit…that was pretty impressive…!
meanwhile bucky did fight for some hard earned yards as if he was a bell cow back…lol…
(are they f’in stupid…he ain’t a bell cow back)
January 4th, 2026 at 8:21 am
heyjude:
we are the sexy pick if it’s up to the nfl to make the playoffs…carolina has nothing to offer…
baker is a story all in himself…
50th season…
evans…
LVD…
gene…
bucky…
the rise and fall this year, in one fell swoop…
it’s a story and half…the league loves hype…
carolina is boring with no star power…other than tet mac…and then again who the f is tet mac lol…
refs could be pulling for the saints 🙂
January 4th, 2026 at 8:36 am
Adam, never happen. The league historically hates the Bucs. I pray ME 13 sticks around, when he’s healthy (I know, I know… something every year) but when he’s right he’s still practically un guardable.
January 4th, 2026 at 9:52 am
adam from ny – You are 100% right. The Bucs are the fairy tale ending for sure. I hope you are right about today. Could be the icing on the cake. Go Bucs!
January 4th, 2026 at 11:59 am
No one should be glued to the Falcons Saints game. Bucs don’t deserve to be in playoffs and their attitude and play after the bye showed it.
January 4th, 2026 at 12:12 pm
The Saints hate the Bucs more than they do the Panthers and as much as we hate them. They always have pride when it comes to us so I can’t put it past them to tank so we can’t make the playoffs. They’ll have no problem hanging their hats on that even if it means Bowles might be gone since they love playing against his defense. I know Scam Jordan would be happy.
January 4th, 2026 at 12:20 pm
I am happy for the victory, but it’s a little too late. The Bucs don’t deserve to be in the playoffs. With that said, I hope we take advantage of our improved draft position by throwing caution to the wind to move up in the draft to grab Rueben Bain. The dude is a BEAST and would instantly upgrade our defensive line. Imagine Bain paired with Kancey and Vita. Fortune favors the bold! Ira, tell Jason to go BIG!
January 4th, 2026 at 2:31 pm
lol there’s no way Stefanski will be here since Baker is. And I’m glad for it.
January 4th, 2026 at 3:21 pm
This is the same team that beat the Seahawks and the 49ers (the two best records in football) in back-to-back weeks. That team is still present…. though with both starting guards missing the offense has been hampered greatly.
The fall-off on defense cannot be blamed on injuries though.
We need some depth on O-line, and a new DC… not really a new HC though.
January 4th, 2026 at 5:02 pm
OrlandoBucFan: “I hope we take advantage of our improved draft position”
Dude, we move up one or two whole slots by not making the playoffs. Not a real game changer, I’m afraid,
January 4th, 2026 at 10:44 pm
Ira you’re usually on-point, but missed the most important ‘point’ which is whether or not Bowles will be back next year!
Everyone wants him gone.
What do you think is gonna happen?!?!